The Global Voice of Pilots, Since 1948
Established to represent pilots on the international stage
In the years following the Second World War, international cooperation became a priority. The creation of the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established a framework for global aviation governance. Pilots wanted to be part of that conversation.
In April 1948, thirteen pilot associations met in London with a shared goal: to ensure that the experience and knowledge of pilots would help shape international aviation policy. From that meeting, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations was established.
Since then, IFALPA has provided a global forum for pilots to work together, share knowledge, and advocate for safe and professional operations. What began as a small group of associations has grown into a worldwide federation, committed to keeping pilots at the centre of aviation safety and operational decision-making.
Built on Experience
The work of IFALPA is rooted in the shared experience of pilots operating around the world. As aviation continues to change, that operational perspective remains essential to understanding how standards and decisions are applied in practice.
This ongoing contribution helps ensure that the realities of pilots remain central to the evolution of global aviation.
IFALPA Presidents
- D.L. Behnke (USA) 1948-1950
- W.L. Vickerstaff (Netherlands) 1950-1951
- B.C. Frost (UK) 1951-1952
- C.N. Sayen (USA) 1952-1964
- H.J. Foy (Canada) 1964-1967
- J.M. Bartelski (Netherlands) 1967-1969
- O. Forsberg (Finland) 1969-1973
- J.J. O’Grady (Ireland) 1973-1977
- D.F. Pearce (Hong Kong) 1977-1981
- R.F. Tweedy (Ireland) 1981-1985
- R.H.J. Smith (Canada) 1985-1989
- B. Bakker (Netherlands) 1989-1995
- R. McInnis (Canada) 1995-1999
- E. Murphy (Ireland) 1999-2003
- D.J. Dolan (USA) 2003-2007
- C. Limon (Mexico) 2007-2011
- D. Wykoff (USA) 2011-2015
- M. Chalk (UK) 2015-2016
- R.P. Abel (USA) 2016-2019
- J. Netskar (Norway) 2019-2023
- A. Mansumitchai (Thailand) 2023-2025
- R. Hay (USA) 2025-